Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream

Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream

Shiseido

Carnosine What it is: Carnosine, an amino acid naturally found in muscle tissue, acts as a powerful antioxidant. In the 80s, researchers found that applying it to wounds sped up the healing process, says Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. Like many other antioxidants, carnosine is water-soluble, whereas antioxidants like vitamin E are fat-soluble. It also reacts with damaged proteins, which can be a sign of aging cells, she says. Why it looks promising: Carnosine is the only agent that addresses all three processes leading to aging  oxidation, inflammation and glycation, says Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Naila Malik. Scientists theorize that reducing glycation  in which sugar binds with proteins such as collagen and impairs their functioning  could slow the aging process, Dr. Howard Murad says. Status: Increasingly, companies are incorporating carnosine in their skin-care products. One place to find it: Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream Carnosine DP ($92; www.nordstrom.com). More in Image:  20 ways to upgrade your style in 2009 | Photos  Photos: The ones to watch in 2009  Hope or hype: Stila's Talking Palettes

Carnosine What it is: Carnosine, an amino acid naturally found in muscle tissue, acts as a powerful antioxidant. In the 80s, researchers found that applying it to wounds sped up the healing process, says Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. Like many other antioxidants, carnosine is water-soluble, whereas antioxidants like vitamin E are fat-soluble. It also reacts with damaged proteins, which can be a sign of aging cells, she says. Why it looks promising: Carnosine is the only agent that addresses all three processes leading to aging  oxidation, inflammation and glycation, says Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Naila Malik. Scientists theorize that reducing glycation  in which sugar binds with proteins such as collagen and impairs their functioning  could slow the aging process, Dr. Howard Murad says. Status: Increasingly, companies are incorporating carnosine in their skin-care products. One place to find it: Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream Carnosine DP ($92; www.nordstrom.com). More in Image:  20 ways to upgrade your style in 2009 | Photos  Photos: The ones to watch in 2009  Hope or hype: Stila's Talking Palettes (Shiseido)

Carnosine What it is: Carnosine, an amino acid naturally found in muscle tissue, acts as a powerful antioxidant. In the 80s, researchers found that applying it to wounds sped up the healing process, says Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. Like many other antioxidants, carnosine is water-soluble, whereas antioxidants like vitamin E are fat-soluble. It also reacts with damaged proteins, which can be a sign of aging cells, she says. Why it looks promising: Carnosine is the only agent that addresses all three processes leading to aging  oxidation, inflammation and glycation, says Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Naila Malik. Scientists theorize that reducing glycation  in which sugar binds with proteins such as collagen and impairs their functioning  could slow the aging process, Dr. Howard Murad says. Status: Increasingly, companies are incorporating carnosine in their skin-care products. One place to find it: Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Night Cream Carnosine DP ($92; www.nordstrom.com). More in Image:  20 ways to upgrade your style in 2009 | Photos  Photos: The ones to watch in 2009  Hope or hype: Stila's Talking Palettes